Etihad Airways and ADNOC celebrate 89th Saudi National Day with special livery to solidify key relationship

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates – in partnership with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) – is honoured to celebrate the leadership and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on the 89th National Day of the Kingdom.

A
special liveried Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will fly to Riyadh on Saudi Arabia
National Day

Al
Nassr FC stars to feature in congratulatory video

Up
close with Etihad’s Saudi pilots who are celebrating this special occasion

To mark the occasion, the airline will launch a series of
bespoke aircraft liveries paying tribute to ADNOC’s key international trading
markets, industry partners and destinations served by the airline. This joint initiative celebrates
ADNOC’s and Etihad’s robust international trade relationships and the rich
diplomatic and cultural ties that the UAE has forged with nations around the
world. The first livery is a
special Saudi Arabian-inspired Boeing Dreamliner 787-9 on EY317 and EY318
between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.

Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Senior Vice President Government,
International and Communications, Etihad Aviation Group said: “The UAE has
experienced unprecedented growth and development in the last 50 years and is
now a global leader in aviation. Etihad, its pioneering national airline,
together with major Abu Dhabi partners such as ADNOC, represent the best of
what Abu Dhabi has to offer to the world. As forces for positive growth and
development in the markets we serve, we share a responsibility to ensure that
these relationships are nurtured for the benefit of everyone. This striking
livery represent this pledge.”

The bespoke livery celebrates the UAE’s close historical
ties with Saudi Arabia, through an Islamic calligraphic and Mashrabiya
latticework design in the Kingdom’s national colours.

As the airline of choice to many Saudi nationals, to mark
the occasion, the airline will additionally be hosting an exciting programme of
events to pay special appreciation to the Kingdom and Etihad guests.

On the 89th Saudi National Day, the celebration will kick
off with a special video which will be broadcast with players from Riyadh-based
Al Nassr FC, one of Saudi Arabia’s most popular football teams which Etihad
sponsor. Saudi pilots working at the airline will also feature in their own
video.

Guests travelling from Abu Dhabi International Airport will
enjoy themed check-in counters and giveaways, and those visiting Etihad’s First
and Business Class Lounges in the UAE’s capital will be treated to a selection
of Saudi Arabian themed cuisine. On flights between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia
on National Day, guests will receive Kabsa (a traditional Saudi Arabian dish) or
Shawarma, themed chocolates, and greeting cards.

The airline will also be
offering special fares from Saudi Arabia during the National Day celebration
period. More details will be available on etihad.com or through local travel
agents.

Earlier
this year, Etihad and Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA), the Saudi national flag
carrier, announced positive growth in traffic since their codeshare partnership
began in November 2018. The ongoing and expanding partnership between the two
airlines continues to deepen the ties that exist between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
and the United Arab Emirates.

During
the last ten days of Ramadan, Etihad further demonstrated its commitment to the
Kingdom by operating seasonal flights between Al Ain in the UAE and Jeddah.

In 2018,
Etihad operated 8,049 passenger flights and carried 1.3 million guests between
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Etihad Airways currently operates 77 flights per week to
Saudi Arabia; three return flights a day to Riyadh, three return flights a day
to Jeddah, and four return flights a day to Dammam, as well as daily seasonal
flights to Medina.